Browse Best of SLO

Bus driver arrested on suspicion of DUI

A San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority bus driver was arrested Aug. 22 for driving under the influence of alcohol after making his rounds from Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SLO SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

TOUGH ROUTE : San Luis Obispo County Regional Transit Authority driver John Farmer was taken to the clink after police, responding to a call from one of his passengers, stopped him at the SLO Transit Center and determined he was under the influence of alcohol.

According to the San Luis Obispo Police Department, a passenger reported the driver of the bus was driving erratically, and was possibly under the influence of alcohol.

SLO Police Department officers responded to the SLO transit station at the intersection of Palm and Osos streets after the bus had finished its route, was parked, and all the passengers had exited. Officers then contacted driver John Farmer, 46, of Avila Beach.

According to a city press release, officers conducted a DUI investigation and arrested Farmer for driving under the influence of alcohol. The release failed to note, however, if Farmer was given a Breathalyzer, or even a field sobriety test, or what his blood alcohol content was determined to be.

There was no accident, no damage to the bus, and no injuries reported.

“RTA takes this matter seriously and has a zero tolerance for alcohol and drug use by any safety sensitive employees as outlined in the RTA Drug and Alcohol Policy, Program and Procedures,” the RTA said in a statement to media.

Farmer was booked in SLO County jail and later released.According to RTA, Farmer has been placed on administrative leave. The RTA will make a determination regarding his employment, as well as provide further information, pending the results of its own investigation.